Question

What should I expect at my first doctors appointment?

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I'm just about 8 weeks pregnant and I have my first doctors appointment in the morning and I have no idea what to expect other than I was told it's gonna be about an hour long and that i'm getting my first ultrasound done. What usually happens at the first appointment?

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Every doctor is different, but in general you can expect an ultrasound (more than likely vaginal this early on), a pap to be done which will include as STD testing- they do it on everyone just to make sure. Blood work will be done to check all you levels and make sure you have no big health issues. Then the doctor will give you your due date and advise you when to come back for you next appointment- which should be about 4 weeks

You meet the Dr, talk about he hospitals she's affiliated with, discuss your past health issues & if they will affect your pregnancy, etc. Ya'll will also talk about their office 'policies' in terms of how they schedule, refer, appointments. (the appointments part is usu at check in or check out with receptionist)
At 8 wks the u/s may be vaginal (slightly better image of stuff & easier to find the heartbeat) or abdominal. (BTW-when you hear the heartbeat, chances of a miscarriage drop to 5%!) She'll measure your baby on u/s & determine if your LMP was accurate at saying you're 8 wks--your gestational age may change some.
She'll also do a vaginal exam (& possibly a pap) as well.
She'll likely order some standard blood tests (most Drs check for STDs, Rh factor, sometimes thyroid & BS averages, etc --not all chk, but most do in my area)
(Ive had 3 diff OBs for my pregnancies and this was pretty much how all 3 appointments went)
Hope this helps!

My first prenatal appointments were so nerve wrenching! With both of my pregnancies, my first prenatal visit was a PAP smear, and then a vaginal ultrasound to confirm a viable pregnancy. At 8 weeks, you will get to see the heartbeat. Last but not least, you get a whole battery of blood tests.

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